Robert D. Kohler

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert D. Kohler (1189366), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 3 March 1953. When his unit was engaged in fierce combat with the enemy during an assault on a strongly fortified hostile position far forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Kohler sighted a machine gun that was bringing murderous enfilade fire to bear upon the unit and causing many casualties. Single-handedly charging the enemy emplacement, he moved over an estimated thirty yards of open ground and delivered deadly automatic-rifle and grenade fire to silence the hostile weapon. Rushing to the assistance of the wounded during the initial outbreak of a savage fire fight between friendly forces and deeply entrenched enemy troops, he immediately proceeded to administer first aid and, when an enemy grenade landed in the immediate area, unhesitatingly stepped on the deadly missile, absorbing the full impact of the explosion in order to protect his wounded comrades. Seriously wounded while carrying out this heroic action, Private First Class Kohler, by his indomitable fighting spirit, exceptional initiative and valiant efforts in behalf of others in the face of almost certain death, was directly responsible for saving the lives of the wounded Marines. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.